A powerful dust storm swept through Delhi, India, on Friday evening, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue a red alert until 9 PM. With winds expected to reach up to 80 km/h, at least 15 flights were diverted, and tree branches fell in multiple areas including Mandi House and Delhi Gate. Visuals showed low visibility and damage to vehicles. Thunderstorms, hail, and lightning are forecast across Delhi, NCR, Haryana, and western Uttar Pradesh. Residents are advised to avoid open spaces due to risk of injury and damage to crops and property. This follows a similar storm on Thursday. (PC: PTI)

Street performances will be banned in Leicester Square, United Kingdom, from April 17 after a judge described amplified busking as "psychological torture" for office workers. The decision follows complaints from Global Radio, whose UK staff reported extreme noise disruptions. Westminster Council said it had “no choice” but to suspend street entertainment pitches. Performers who defy the ban could face fines and equipment confiscation. While Leicester Square has long been a hub for street performers, officials clarified this is not a borough-wide ban. The move aims to balance cultural tradition with the need to protect UK businesses and residents from noise pollution. (PC: Getty Images)

Starting April 2025, Karnataka residents are grappling with a surge in prices across essential services. Diesel prices rose by ₹2 per litre due to increased sales tax, while Nandini milk and curd rates climbed ₹4 per litre/kg. Electricity tariffs dropped slightly per unit but saw a ₹25 rise in fixed charges. Bengaluru introduced a solid waste management fee (₹10–₹400/month), and water bills, vehicle prices, stamp duties, and toll charges also increased. These widespread hikes have sparked public concern over affordability and the growing burden on household expenses across the state. (The News Minute)  

During the Budget Session that ended on April 4, 2025, the Indian Parliament passed 16 crucial bills, showcasing an impressive legislative output. Both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha recorded over 118% productivity, with extended sittings and focused debates. Among the bills passed were the Finance Bill, Appropriation Bill, and the controversial Waqf (Amendment) Bill, which drew significant opposition criticism over its impact on religious trusts. The Rajya Sabha notably held a marathon 17-hour session to push through pending legislation, reflecting the government’s urgency in advancing its legislative agenda before the session concluded. (PC: ANI)

On April 8, 2025, British Airways Flight 252, en route from Nassau, Bahamas to London Heathrow, experienced two unexpected diversions resulting in a significant delay. Roughly four hours into the flight, a medical emergency forced the Boeing 777 to divert to Gander International Airport in Newfoundland, Canada, to offload the ill passenger. Following this delay, the crew neared their legal working hour limits, prompting a second diversion to Keflavik Airport in Reykjavík, Iceland, for a mandatory crew change. The flight ultimately landed in London nearly 11 hours behind schedule, on April 9 at 10:30 p.m. (PC: AFP)

China has raised tariffs on US goods to 125%, retaliating against President Donald Trump's steep tariff hike on Chinese imports to 145%. Despite the escalation, Beijing announced it will not retaliate further if the US continues imposing duties. The Chinese finance ministry accused Washington of "unilateral bullying" and violating global trade norms. President Xi Jinping called on the European Union to resist Trump's moves, calling them a threat to global trade stability. China also added 18 US firms to control lists and filed a WTO complaint, underscoring growing trade tensions between the world’s top two economies. (PC: India Today)

Col Susannah Meyers, commander of the Pituffik Space Base in Greenland, was removed from her position after allegedly distancing herself from Vice President JD Vance’s criticism of Denmark’s role in Greenland’s security. In an internal email, Meyers stated Vance’s comments were “not reflective” of the base’s stance. The Pentagon cited a “loss of confidence” and emphasized that actions undermining leadership or President Trump’s agenda are unacceptable. The firing follows Vance’s controversial remarks during a visit to Greenland, which reignited U.S. interest in the territory. Col Shawn Lee will assume command of the strategically vital Arctic station. (PC: BBC News)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been briefed on the brutal gang rape of a 22-year-old woman in Varanasi’s Shivpur area. He has directed officials to ensure the “strictest possible action” against those involved. The assault took place on April 10, 2025. Two suspects have been arrested, and a manhunt is underway to capture the third accused. The survivor is currently receiving medical treatment. PM Modi also assured the victim’s family of full support and emphasized swift justice to maintain public trust in the legal system. (PC: News 18)    

Bronze statue of Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol from the iconic film Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge will be unveiled at London’s Leicester Square, marking the first-ever Bollywood representation in the prestigious ‘Scenes in the Square’ trail. The statue captures the legendary train scene pose and will stand alongside global cinematic icons such as Harry Potter and Mary Poppins. Installed near the Odeon cinema, the site holds sentimental value as it featured in the film’s storyline. This tribute celebrates DDLJ’s 30-year legacy and acknowledges its lasting impact on international cinema and cross-cultural storytelling through Bollywood. (PC: NDTV)

On April 11, 2025, a Delhi court granted the National Investigation Agency (NIA) 18-day custody of Tahawwur Rana, a Pakistani-Canadian national extradited from the U.S. for his alleged involvement in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. Rana was formally arrested at Delhi airport and brought before the Patiala House Court amid tight security. The NIA aims to trace the full chain of events and key operatives behind the 26/11 conspiracy. Medical examinations have also been mandated during custody. Rana is the first of nine accused named in a 2011 chargesheet to face trial in India. (PC: The Print)